Is ‘relegation fear’ a genuine concern for Everton?

You will have read all the grim statistics over the last few days – anything less than a win, for example, will leave Everton with their worst points total after 28 games since the 1926/27 season.

But how realistic is the idea of the Blues being in a relegation battle? Roberto Martinez spoke on Sunday of the need to get, first and foremost, to 40 points. That means his side need 12 points from their last 11 games. A win at the Britannia would be a good place to start.

Martinez is right to suggest that Everton, in general terms, are not playing awfully. The trouble is, they’re not picking up enough points either. And when fear creeps into a side’s play, it can be hard to shift.

It is up to the manager to inject some confidence back into his players, to encourage them to take responsibility and to show leadership. Everton, make no mistake, have good players; it is time they showed it.

Will Martinez go on the offensive?

It’s a question a lot of supporters have been asking this season; are Everton a little too lightweight, in an attacking sense?

They have scored more league goals (33) than any side in the Premier League’s bottom half, but in truth that is not much to write home about. And with points needed at this stage, it may be time for Martinez to have a little re-think, tactically.

Would, for example, now be a good time to pair Arouna Kone with Romelu Lukaku? The Belgian did OK at Arsenal on Sunday, but has shown himself to be a far more lively presence when there are players around him, supporting him. With Aaron Lennon and Kevin Mirallas, Martinez has two attack-minded wide players who should, in theory be able to feed a front two.

A two-man strike-force is not something Martinez has used much in his time at Goodison (or as a manager in general). Sure, it would lessen their grip on midfield, and require them to play a little more ‘percentage football’ in terms of crosses and more direct forward passes, but it would also afford them more of a ‘surprise factor’ than they have had of late.

And if there is one thing fans will accept, it is a manager that comes out fighting when the chips are down.

Can Aaron Lennon inject some fresh impetus?

Sometimes, a change is as good as a rest. And a fresh face in football can make a difference,

Lennon started on the bench at Arsenal, but did OK when called upon in the second half. He had one of Everton’s two shots on target, and was one of the few players, along with Seamus Coleman, willing to run with the ball and ask questions of defenders.

Expect him, then, to start at Stoke. And if he can keep that positive mindset, he could make a difference.

Sure, he’s not going to suddenly take off and be a player who scores goals every week. But at 27, Lennon is playing for his Premier League future – whether it is at Everton or elsewhere. If Martinez can tap into that, and get the winger fired up, he will be an asset. He might just inject the impetus Everton need.